The Player - A courageous, selfless footballer who can be found scrapping hard beneath the packs and is always the last man to rise when the umpire calls for a ball-up. Has filled the gap in the Collingwood engine room left by Scott Burns and Paul Licuria, and is more skillful than many recognise. Was a key figure in St Kilda's rise in the mid-2000s, but found the seachange he was after at Collingwood. One of the most consistent and respected players in the game.
2011
Refused to rest on his laurels and turned in another stellar season in the midfield. Joined the club’s leadership group, averaging 21.5 disposals and 166 tackles in 24 matches. Also returned to form in front of goal, slotting 18.3 for the season to silence those in the media who claimed he’d lost power in his legs.
Became more important as the season wore on, turning out consistent performances all year long. Grabbed the spotlight during the finals with two clutch goals to seal victory – first against West Coast in the qualifying final, and the second a fortnight later against Hawthorn.
Loose at a stoppage inside 50m, Ball sharked the Hawthorn hitout and snapped truly on his left out of the congestion. Began well against Geelong in the Grand Final but tapered as the game wore on. Played in his third pre-season premiership, and won his second Gavin Brown Award in as many years.
2010
Vindicated his decision to cross to Collingwood and proved his doubters wrong with a brilliant season in the centre square. Ball played every match for the first time since 2005, bumped his season average disposal count back up to 21.1 and his tackle average to 6.5.
The leadership he provided to a youthful Collingwood team was not lost on his teammates, winning the Gavin Brown Award for Leading Desire Indicators, and finished fifth in the Copeland Trophy. His 155 tackles were a career-high, and he earned a Brownlow vote for his three goal, 20 disposal effort against Carlton in round six.
Ironically faced off with St Kilda in the two Grand Finals. Battled to have an influence in the first Grand Final, winning only 13 disposals, but was one of the best afield in the replay when he gathered 25 disposals to cap off a controversial but ultimately fulfilling 12 months. Tied for the Bob Rose Award as Best Player in Finals.
2009
Played 24 of 25 matches in the seniors, but was dropped for the first time since 2003 in round 16. Was a victim of the rapid improvement of second tier Saints such as Clint Jones and Andrew McQualter, and was squeezed out of the side due to a perceived lack of pace on the dry Docklands track.
Was still one of St Kilda’s best performed players in the losing Grand Final side, winning 22 disposals despite only playing 46% of the match in conditions tailor-made for stoppage specialists.
Sought a trade to Collingwood in October but the two clubs could not strike a deal; footy folklore records that St Kilda refused Collingwood’s offer of pick 25 and a player for Ball’s services. Regardless of the truth, Ball left the club and endured a nervous month until the Magpies National Recruiting Manager Derek Hine finally called out his name with the 30th selection at the National Draft.
2008
Made some improvements on the previous two seasons, finishing ninth in the Saints Best and Fairest, and playing the first 18 games without a miss. Was ranked second at the club for tackles and contested possessions, but missed the last seven games (including three finals) with a hamstring injury. Played in St Kilda’s pre-season premiership team for the second time in his career.
2007
Severe concussion suffered following a heavy bump from Demon Matthew Whelan meant Ball began his season on a sour note. Was forced to sit out the next two weeks, and was plagued there on by osteitis pubis.
Showed he was still capable of his best form when he won 31 possessions and kicked three goals against the resurgent Hawthorn in round 16. Had adductor-release surgery at season’s end to alleviate his groin troubles.
2006
Was anointed St Kilda’s captain in line with then-coach Grant Thomas’ controversial policy of rotating the club captaincy. Struggled all season with groin injuries, but still managed to lead the team in handballs and tackles. His influence in front of goal was limited, as he kicked only three for the season. Still found 25 disposals and six tackles in the elimination final loss to Melbourne.
2005
Named in the All-Australian side for the first time in his career, amassing 528 disposals across 24 games. Continued to reinforce his reputation as a prolific tackler, recording 126 for the second year in succession.
Received another nine Brownlow Medal votes, and initiated heated debate over his fearless play when he had his head split open by Port Adelaide’s Aaron Shattock mid-season.
2004
Played in the pre-season premiership team, and played in all 25 matches (including three finals) as the Saints reached the penultimate week. He kicked two in the preliminary final loss to Port Adelaide to cap off a strong finals series.
Received eight Brownlow votes for the year, and reached the 30 disposal mark for the first time in round 15 against Melbourne. Also managed 17 goals for the season, and ran second in St Kilda’s Best and Fairest. Represented Australia in the International Rules series.
2003
Debuted for St Kilda in round one against the Kangaroos at the MCG, and looked at home immediately as he gathered 17 disposals and kicked the first goal of his career. Was nominated for the AFL Rising Star in round two against Adelaide (11 disposals, one goal).
Played 16 games for the season, peaking with 27 possessions in two matches (round five against Geelong and round 21 against the Bulldogs). Brother Matthew Ball (17 games) was drafted to Hawthorn.
2002
Spent the year completing his studies at Xavier College, and sat out all bar one match (for St Kilda’s then VFL affiliate Springvale) with osteitis pubis.
2001
Played for Sandringham U18 in the TAC Cup, and was School vice captain of Xavier College. Famously drafted by St Kilda in the ‘Super Draft’ – the 2001 National Draft. At pick two, he was wedged between Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) and Chris Judd (West Coast). Also an outstanding junior cricketer.
AFL Debut
Round 1, 2003 (St Kilda v Kangaroos) at the MCG.
Collingwood Debut
Round 1, 2010 v Western Bulldogs at Docklands Stadium.
Milestones
- 50th St Kilda Game - Round 9, 2005 (St Kilda v Adelaide) at Docklands Stadium.
- 100th St Kilda Game - Round 16, 2007 (St Kilda v Hawthorn) at Docklands Stadium.
- 150th AFL Game - Round 8, 2010 (Fremantle v Collingwood) at Subiaco Oval.
Draft History
2001 AFL Draft priority selection (St Kilda) No. 2 overall;
2009 AFL Draft (Collingwood) No. 30 overall.
